The Lightstation is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00am - 5:00pm. CLOSED ON SUNDAY.
ELBOW REEF LIGHT
Last manual, kerosene fueled, intact and complete Lightstation on the planet.
The Elbow Reef Lightstation in Hope Town, Elbow Cay, Abaco, Bahamas, has the only manned lighttower in the world who's burner has not been electrified. Its lens is hand-wound and it is fueled by kerosene.
ABOUT US
We are the custodians entrusted with the ongoing preservation and restoration of the 1863 Elbow Reef Lighthouse and Lightstation.
In collaboration with the Bahamas Government and related agencies, the Society has oversight of the restoration and preservation of this monument. We work in tandem with the Bahamas Port Department who oversees the Lighthouse Keepers and the kerosene requirements of the station.
ERLS ORGANIZATION
ADMINISTRATION
Deborah A. Patterson, Office Administrator
Heather Forde-Prosa, Development Director
Marjorie Bethel Chapman, Finance Director
RESTORATION
Kent LeBoutillier, Head of Restoration
Annie Potts, U.S. Liaison
Jackson Blatch, Foreman
RETAIL
Kent LeBoutillier, Volunteer Retail Manager
Raquel Blatch, Town-side Gift Shoppe Clerk
Lisa Ballard, Volunteer
HISTORY
Annie Potts, U.S. Liaison
Deborah A. Patterson, Office Administrator
ERLS CREW
Andrew Blatch
Traeshoun Swain
Employed by the PORT DEPARTMENT
Jeffery Forbes Jr., Principal Lighthouse Keeper
Jackson Blatch, Assistant Lighthouse Keeper
"The ERLS has a distinguished track record of fundraising and proper financial accounting, and is run by residents of the Hope Town community, including some 8th and 9th generation Abaconians. The lighthouse is one of the nation’s most recognized landmarks, and plays a vital economic role in the Abaco community.
The ERLS has maintained excellent relations with central government and has made tremendous inroads in attaining professional appraisal and opinion to guide and structure their initiatives."
James Albury, former MP Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, Abaco
“The Elbow Reef Lightstation is so much more than what it actually is. It is living history! It connects people. It's a reassurance that you have guidance in the dark. It allows us to know we are home safely seeing its stripes stand out against the blue sky. The Light has, and will always be, affiliated with my greatest memories. So much thanks are owed to the people who work so hard to keep this priceless beacon alive.”
Matthew Benjamin
